Making the most of your running

Making the most of your running

No matter if you ‘ve just started running or having been running for years, there will be times when you just do not feel like getting out the door. For some, it may be just for a day or two – for others it may be for a little longer. Here are some tips to help keep you motivated with your running.
Buy some new shoes or running clothes. This works great for me! I love getting new clothes – especially pretty, bright shorts in the Spring. And, it does work to get you motivated. You can not wait to head out the door in your new duds. New shoes work the same way, also. I love my first runs in my new shoes. It’s a really special day to have new shorts and shoes on the same day!

Set some goals for your running. These goals can be different for different runners. You may want to increase you long run until you are doing a distance that you’ve never run before. You may want to run your first race. You may want to run your marathon. All of these are the goals that you can set. Having these goals give you the motivation to complete your goals and to get out the door.

Run different routes. Many runners run the same route day after day and they get bored. Head down a different road. Drive somewhere and run in a completely different area – maybe even a park or a trail. I love to head down new roads and go exploring! This is a great way to add some variety to your training and break any boredom.

Add some cross-training to your workout program. Adding some swimming, walking or cycling on your days off from running may help you get motivated again. Plus, it’s great to do something to work the muscles that you do not use in your running.

Many runners run with a group or with a friend a couple of times a week. In addition to the socialness of running and talking with someone, you will want to get out the door to meet with them. You do not want to show up for your run.

If you plan on running for years and years to come – there will be when you will go through these low-motivation spells. Hopefully these tips will help you to get back on the roads quickly and get excited about your running again.